...so...still here.

Jim and I invented a new head-to-head betting card game last night. We still don't have a name for it, and we are taking suggestions. Be prepared for this response, "That's ONE idea...". Jim hands that one out quite a bit. (by the way, we've trademarked this game, so don't even think about trying to sell it to the Nevada Gaming Commission).

Anyway! Here's how it goes...The object of the game is to turn cards one by one until the sum of all cards shown reaches 31. The person who turns the card that makes 31 gets the pot. If you flip a card that pushes the total past 31, your opponent gets the pot. To begin, each player antes, and the dealer places 1 card face up and 8 cards face down as shown:

The player opposite the dealer then pays (a predetermined amount) into the pot to buy a card of his choice, and flips it over, increasing the community sum. The players alternate by paying (their bet) and flipping until 31 is reached, a player busts, or neither player is willing to flip another card. If the current player does not wish to flip a card (for fear of busting and giving the pot to his opponent), the opposite player has the same opportunity to flip or pass. If neither player wishes to flip, the hand is a push and the pot stays remains for the next hand.

In any given hand, once the sum of the cards is equal to or greater than 25 (ie 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30), any flipped card that does not bust wins the pot. If the current player passes, the opposite player again has the opportunity to flip or pass.

Side notes: Aces are worth 11 until the sum reaches 25. At that point, any Ace flipped is worth 1 point.